Connected Home Security – iSmartAlarm Review

If you’re looking for a smart home security system that doesn’t cost the earth, the iSmartAlarm could well be the solution for you.

With complete do-it-yourself home security packages starting under $200/£150, the iSmartAlarm system is an excellent entry to smart-home security and peace of mind.

Effectively a modular solution incorporating motion sensors, alarms, and cameras, this intelligent alarm system is incredibly scalable meaning you can start small, adding components as and when you decide to expand your home security setup.

Every element of the iSmartAlarm system is monitored directly through an app on your smart device and with no monthly contracts or subscription fees to worry about, the economics of this smart security solution work too.

One of the drawbacks of this system (and something often featured in higher-end security solutions) is the absence of automated emergency service dialing in the event of a breach.

In these instances, as opposed to the more traditional ‘live monitoring’, where the system would alert an operator, the iSmartAlarm opts for notifying you via a text and automated phone call, leaving the decision to escalate the event up to you.

In my opinion, this isn’t necessarily a negative factor though as I can imagine plenty of events (pets, visiting family, cleaners etc) where I wouldn’t necessarily want the system dialing the police without me giving the green light first.

A huge draw to many will be the attractive price tag of the system.

Given the fact that iSmartAlarm offers a whole lot of features you’d normally only get from a solution 2-3 times the price, paired with the lack of the usual contracts and monthly fees of automated home security, the payback value of the setup really comes into its own.

Control and Flexibility

The iSmartAlarm family includes a number of sensors and actuators which allow the owner to create a security network with complete coverage of the home as well as the ability to scale and grow the number of attached devices over time.

The Preferred Package comes complete with a motion detector, two contact sensors (for picking up when windows or doors are opened or closed), two remote tags for enabling/disabling the system and the CubeOne – the nerve center hub of the system which includes an inbuilt siren.

If you’re looking for a slightly more advanced starter kit to get you going, the Premium Package takes the basics of the Preferred Package and adds the iCamera module allowing you to get a live view of your home.

The system is controlled through the iSmartAlarm app which is available as a free download for both iOS and Android, providing a whole set of features to monitor, control and adjust your home security setup wherever you are.

If you decide to opt for a starter package including the iCamera (or if you decide to bolt-on one of the separate component cameras such as the iCamera Keep), you can view the display of these devices within the app and control the movement by swiping your fingers across the screen.

Another useful feature within the app is the ability to rename specific sensors and actuators within your setup to let you have accurate control over the individual components within your home security network (“Entry Hall Camera” and “Kitchen Window” for example).

Operation

So, let’s start with the basics – what happens if a security breach occurs in your home?

Well, the first thing is that if one of the sensors is activated and the alarm is triggered, a panic siren on the main hub is activated (along with any additional sirens which you decide to install into the grid).

As well as this first line of defence to deter intruders and alert anyone nearby, the system will simultaneously send a sensor specific (if you’ve renamed the components in the app) alert to your smartphone letting you know what’s happened – taking our example above, you’d get the message: “Kitchen Window has been opened”.

In addition to a text, the system will also make an automated voice call to your designated phone, letting you know what’s happened – particularly helpful if you set this to call a separate number in an event you can’t receive an SMS.

One of the features that’s a welcome addition to the iSmartAlarm system is the inclusion of remote tags, effectively a physical on/off button which avoids the need to always use the app to arm or disarm the system whenever you’re back in the house.

This is functionality is particularly useful as it allows you to attach the tags to your standard keyfob and activate the system whenever you leave home.

Conclusion

If there’s one takeaway word that sums up the iSmartAlarm system, it has to be simplicity.

Alongside the super-attractive price tag, the ease of setup and use makes this system an excellent choice for the small-medium sized home.

A user interface and design that’s about as hands-off as you can expect from a smart security system means that you won’t spend your life checking-in to make sure that everything is working as intended – simply set it and forget it.

With scalability and ease of upgrading the system also incredibly straightforward (simply add a new component to your system and then tell the app to scan for new devices), the iSmartAlarm system has the ability to grow to meet your needs, making it a solid security investment for years to come.

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